Outreach Advocate, Waterville

Outreach Advocate, Waterville (Full Time)

Family Violence Project (FVP) is working to end domestic violence in Kennebec and Somerset counties in Maine. We believe it will take the whole community to accomplish our mission. This includes a strong and committed workforce. If you are seeking a challenging position in a critical field of advocacy and social justice, please consider the following open position:

Outreach Advocate, Waterville (Full Time)

Family Violence Project (FVP) seeks an advocate to provide direct services to those affected by domestic abuse in Northern Kennebec County. The Outreach Advocate will provide operational support to the Waterville Outreach Office, including overseeing the office and addressing any technological and/or maintenance needs. The person in this position will provide advocacy services in relation to the office and facilitate a weekly support group for adult victims/survivors.

They will also attend the local district court on days that protection order hearings are scheduled, providing advocacy, information, and support services to those in attendance who are affected by domestic abuse; the advocate may attend other courts and/or court proceedings based on victim/survivor need and advocate availability. The Outreach Advocate will network with area services providers to establish connections and gain/maintain knowledge of resources to better assist those with whom they are working.

Maintaining current and accurate records is an integral part of this position, as is the reporting of data as required by the agency and its funders.

This is a full-time, 32-hour per week non-exempt position with a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm schedule; each day includes a half hour unpaid lunch break. The schedule will include occasional on-call responsibilities in relation to the agency’s 24-hour helpline and may include some evenings and weekends. This position will be based out of FVP’s Waterville Outreach Office and will include travel, as needed, throughout Kennebec and Somerset counties for court advocacy, collaborative community meetings, agency meetings, etc.

Excellent benefits are provided for the employee, including free health insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Vision, dental and supplemental insurances, as well as health insurance for dependents, are available efits also include paid time off (beginning with three weeks of accrued time per year), fourteen paid holidays each year, and a 403(b)-retirement plan with an employer match.

The starting pay range for this position is $37,024 annually ($22.25 per hour) to $44,428 annually ($26.70 per hour), based on experience.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb stairs, sit (including prolonged sitting), talk, and listen. The employee is also required to operate a computer using a standard keyboard and mouse; use a fax machine, printer, scanner, and copier; and communicate using a telephone. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

The successful candidate will possess knowledge of domestic violence and its impact on victims and the community. This person will also have knowledge of the housing barriers encountered by those experiencing homelessness, and available resources. Demonstrated skills and experience in crisis intervention, human relations, and conflict resolution are necessary. Time management skills are a must, as is the ability to prioritize work demands to meet client needs and emergencies.

Experience in and/or knowledge of the civil, family, and criminal court systems is preferred, as is experience with group facilitation. The successful candidate will interact harmoniously with others, communicating respectfully and effectively through excellent listening, oral, and written communication skills. The person in this position must be able to work collaboratively as well as independently, handle emergencies in a calm manner, and de‑escalate situations.

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